WILD ROCKIES

October 2023 Newsletter

Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day

Old Traditions and New Combine in Caras Park

Photo by UM Staff Photographer Ryan Brennecke

On Monday, the Missoula and University of Montana communities gathered in Camas Park to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day. Though it's only been recognized as a national holiday for two years, Montana has a rich history of Native American culture, and our communities take pride in honoring the ongoing traditions and influences of local tribes, especially those of the Salish and Kalispel people. We appreciate the contributions our Indigenous elders and students make to the land and our lives, and look forward to keeping the tradition of gathering on Indigenous Peoples Day to acknowledge that alive. We hope you all had a chance to celebrate and reflect on what this important day means as well.

"Montana’s history is largely defined by the Native American tribes who cared for and defended this land for thousands of years. By celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day, we honor those who have called this valley home for centuries, but we also recognize the ongoing contributions Native students, faculty, staff and alumni make each day to UM."

-Seth Bodnar, University of Montana President

Alumni Update

Brooke Reynolds: From Student to Master

Reminder About USDA Forest Service

In the last WRFI newsletter, we told you all about upcoming available roles with the US Forest Service. Those applications open a week from today (10/19/2023). Visit the link below to learn more about specific roles in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, and reach out to WRFI alumnus Rachel McKay (rachel.mckay@usda.gov) if you have any questions regarding the application process or what it's like to work for the US Forest Service.